DOHA: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif is leading a high-level delegation to Doha today for crucial talks with the Afghan Taliban, aiming to defuse recent cross-border tensions and address rising terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan.
The Foreign Office (FO) confirmed that discussions will center on “immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border.” Talks come amid a temporary ceasefire following intense clashes — the worst in decades — between the two neighbours.
Terrorist attacks in Pakistan have surged, with Islamabad accusing the Afghan Taliban of harboring groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Kabul denies these claims.
Despite years of diplomacy, including multiple visits and demarches, Pakistan says it has received no meaningful response from the Taliban. Defence Minister Asif recently stated on social media that there would be no further appeals to Kabul, citing over 10,000 terror incidents and 4,000 Pakistani lives lost since 2021.
In Doha, the Taliban are represented by Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob, their Defence Minister. Afghan spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the talks, calling them a continuation of promised negotiations.
The FO emphasized Pakistan does not seek escalation but urged the Taliban to honor commitments and take verifiable action against militant groups. Pakistan also acknowledged mediation efforts by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, expressing hope the talks would lead to lasting peace.
Meanwhile, Asif criticized Afghanistan’s role in what he called a “proxy war” backed by India. He asserted that all Afghan nationals in Pakistan must return, stating, “Now they have their own government in Kabul… it’s time to end the forced hospitality of five decades.”
He concluded by stressing that Afghanistan must learn to coexist peacefully with Pakistan as a responsible neighbor.
